The 23rd of October marks twelve years since the American rock band My Chemical Romance released their third studio album, which contained fourteen tracks- many of which would become timeless anthems for fanatics everywhere.

The Black Parade is a rock opera that centers on a dying character with cancer, known as “The Patient.” The album relates the story of this character, including his death, experiences in the afterlife, and subsequent reflections on his life.

With lyrics repeatedly alluding to death and darkness, however, the album received some negative feedback. One of the most notable critiques came from the British tabloid, The Daily Mail, who expressed their disdain towards the band and the overall emo culture of 2006. In an article published on the 16th of August of 2006 titled “EMO cult warning for parents,” they categorized My Chemical Romance as one of the emo bands that was negatively influencing teenagers at the time.

In another article two years later, they labeled My Chemical Romance as a “suicide cult” rock band, also citing them as one of the main factors that lead to the unfortunate death of a thirteen year old girl. (***Note: the article linked contains sensitive topics***) The British tabloid made mention of perhaps one of the most famous lyrics from the song Welcome to the Black Parade, which says, “ Although you’re dead and gone, believe me, your memory will go on.”

Despite the bits of negative feedback, the album performed fantastically worldwide.  

The album produced four chart-topping singles:

“ Welcome to the Black Parade” (*it also produced the iconic G-note)

“Famous Last Words”

“I Don’t Love You”

“Teenagers”

Rolling Stone named the album one of the top 50 albums of 2006, Spin Magazine listed it as one of the top 40 albums of that year, and Q magazine also included the album in their list of top 100 albums.

The Black Parade earned My Chemical Romance several nominations and awards:

Nomination for Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package at the 2008 Grammy Awards

Nominations for Best Single and Best Video for “Welcome to the Black Parade” at the 2007 Kerrang! Awards

Nominations for Album of the Year and Best Video for “Welcome to the Black Parade” at the 2007 Metal Hammer Awards

Nominations for Best Rock Video and Video of the Year for “Welcome to the Black Parade” at the 2007 MTV Australia Awards

Nomination for Best Group Video for “Welcome to the Black Parade” and Award for Best Rock Video” at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards Japan

Award for Best International Group Video for “Welcome to the Black Parade” at the 2007 MuchMusic Video Awards

Awards for Best Colorist/Telecine and Best Styling for “Welcome to the Black Parade” at the 2007 Music Video Production Association Awards

Nomination for Best Track for “Teenagers” at the 2008 NME Awards USA

Nominations for Best Album and Best Video for “Teenagers” at the 2007 and 2008 NME Awards

Nomination for Best International Album at the 2007 TMF Awards

The album received favorable reviews and honorable certifications. In the United States alone, it was certified 3x Platinum. In Australia, Canada, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, and Europe it was certified Platinum. In Argentina, Chile, and México it was certified Gold.

It has been twelve years since the release of this album, but it will remain timeless to fans everywhere.